Following its acclaimed festival debut and a quiet theatrical run, On Swift Horses—a brooding period drama rich with desire and deception—is galloping toward its digital streaming release. Directed by Daniel Minahan (Deadwood: The Movie) and based on Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, the film is now available on VOD platforms, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
What is On Swift Horses About?
Set against the backdrop of post-war 1950s America, On Swift Horses follows Muriel (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) as they try to settle into a new life in California after Lee’s return from the Korean War. But tranquility is short-lived.
Their world is disrupted by the arrival of Lee’s younger brother Julius (Jacob Elordi), a magnetic and mysterious gambler with secrets he can’t outrun. A simmering love triangle emerges, complicated further when Julius vanishes to chase a young card cheat he’s fallen for, leaving Muriel to confront her own longings.
As Muriel turns to horse race gambling and begins to explore a hidden side of herself, the story becomes a haunting meditation on love, identity, and freedom—laced with tension and tenderness.
The film also stars Diego Calva and Sasha Calle in key supporting roles.
Where to Watch On Swift Horses Online?
On Swift Horses was released digitally and on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play starting May 27, 2025. You can now rent or buy the movie here for $19.99 and $24.99, respectively.
When and Where Will On Swift Horses Stream?
While a subscription-based streaming release has yet to be announced, it’s worth noting that Sony Pictures titles are typically reserved for Netflix under an exclusive post-theatrical window deal. Based on past release timelines, On Swift Horses is likely to begin streaming on Netflix within 4–5 months of its digital release—around Fall 2025.
Reception & Box Office
The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it drew acclaim for its restrained yet emotionally rich storytelling and standout performances—particularly from Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi.
Following its theatrical release on April 25, 2025, the film grossed $2.3 million domestically—a modest figure in line with its indie drama roots but one that’s likely to grow as the film reaches a wider audience via digital and streaming platforms.
Why Watch On Swift Horses?
With its slow-burning romantic tension, richly rendered period detail, and quietly devastating emotional beats, On Swift Horses is tailor-made for fans of complex character dramas like Call Me by Your Name or Carol. It’s a story of longing, reinvention, and the high-stakes gamble of love—set to the rhythms of racetracks, smoky card rooms, and sunlit solitude.
If you’re looking for a film that lingers like an old love letter, this is one to seek out.
